Bulgaria is stepping into the future of sustainable energy with a groundbreaking memorandum of understanding. “Bulgartransgaz” EAD, in collaboration with “Glavbolgarstroy Holding” AD, American companies Solar Turbines and Honeywell, and Italy’s Pietro Fiorentini, has embarked on an ambitious pilot project for the production and utilization of green hydrogen within the Chiren underground gas storage facility.
This memorandum marks the commencement of a pioneering study that will explore multiple facets of the project, including plant and equipment capacities, blending ratios, and other essential parameters. Crucially, the green hydrogen generated by this initiative is intended for in-house technological applications and will not be marketed to external parties.
The executive director of Bulgartransgaz EAD, Vladimir Malinov, emphasizes that this project’s realization holds the key to a practical reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. “Hydrogen is a cornerstone of our future economy and energy landscape, offering zero-emission potential. The operators of gas transmission networks will ensure the security of the infrastructure, which will also accommodate hydrogen transfer,” he affirms.
The official document was signed during the “New Energy Environment in Southeast Europe” conference, held in Washington, USA. This prestigious event, organized by the Delphi Economic Forum, the Business Council for International Understanding, and the Global Federation of Competitiveness Councils, serves as a platform for global discussions on energy and environmental sustainability.
Vladimir Malinov used the platform to present Bulgartransgaz’s pivotal energy projects, illustrating their commitment to regional energy security. Notable undertakings include the expansion of the Chiren underground gas storage, the Bulgaria-Serbia intersystem gas connection, and the Alexandroupolis liquefied gas terminal.
Additionally, Bulgartransgaz is actively exploring projects aimed at expanding gas infrastructure and enhancing the capacities of interconnection points like Kulata/Sidirokastro and Kardam/Negro voda, responding to market research that began in July 2023. These endeavors align with their vision of expanding the underground gas storage and constructing new above-ground and underground facilities, as well as a gas pipeline to integrate “Chiren” with “Bulgartransgaz” EAD’s existing gas transmission network.
Partners in this venture, such as Glavbolgarstroy Holding AD, Solar Turbines Inc., Honeywell, and Pietro Fiorentini, are recognized leaders in hydrogen production and utilization technologies.
In line with their ambitious vision, “Bulgartransgaz” is strategically planning a hydrogen network in Bulgaria. An initial phase involves constructing a 250 km pipeline from Sofia to the Bulgarian-Greek border, equipped with two compressor stations, and has been proposed as an EU project of common interest. Further developments aim to adapt the gas transmission network to support up to 10% hydrogen, demonstrating Bulgaria’s commitment to a cleaner, hydrogen-powered future.
“Bulgartransgaz” EAD is an active participant in the European Alliance for Clean Hydrogen and plays a prominent role in the European Hydrogen Backbone initiative. As the green energy revolution continues to gain momentum, Bulgaria’s pioneering spirit and strategic partnerships herald a greener, more sustainable future for the nation and the region.
